The Livery Event Center came alive in retro fashion as actors and volunteers gathered for the Leeds Trails and Tours (LTAT) Walking Tour Actors’ Reception on Tuesday evening. With everyone decked out in their finest 1950s attire, the atmosphere was warm and lively as the community celebrated the cast of local historical portrayals ahead of Saturday’s Downtown Walking Tour.

Guests enjoyed delicious refreshments and the chance to mingle in character, as history was brought to life by residents portraying notable Leeds figures from the 1950s. LTAT Chairman Randy Ray welcomed everyone with words of appreciation, thanking the actors and volunteers who have dedicated their time and talents to this special project.

Walk Team Captain Ronald Howard also addressed the group, offering gratitude and sharing final details about the walking tour scheduled for Saturday, April 12. The tour will take place along Parkway Drive between 7th and 9th Streets in downtown Leeds and will allow participants to meet and hear stories from the past through the voices of their modern-day portrayers.

Media Captain Dona Bonnett encouraged each actor to participate with a short video of their portrayal to help promote the project. She and her team captured those videos throughout the reception, adding a digital layer to the historic walk to come.

Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amy Lee shared information about all of the events going on in downtown Leeds including the downtown walking tour, Leeds Main Street’s Market on Main, Yellowhammer Antiques’ Spring Market, cornhole tournaments, Greenwave $10,000 Giveaway Dinner, Leeds Arts Council 1950s music event and more!

A heartfelt thank you was extended to the event sponsors: Linda Miller and The Livery Event Center for hosting, along with Leeds Sonic and Chick-fil-A for their generous food donations.

The following community members will participate in Saturday’s historic Downtown Walking Tour as actors and portrayers of Leeds’ iconic 1950s-era personalities:

(See full actor list below.)

From local business owners and teachers to public officials and everyday citizens, each character’s story will help bring the past to life. Visitors can look forward to engaging portrayals of individuals such as Mayor Bill Dorrough portrayed by Brian Attaway, Elvis Presley portrayed by Jeff Thomas (who visited Leeds in 1956), and Jane Hooton, Leeds High School’s beloved math teacher, portrayed by author/comedian Debbie Childers. Elvis Tribute Artist Aiden Joiner will make an appearance!

Visitors are encouraged to attend this Saturday’s walking tour, April 12, 2025 from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm as well as spend the day in Leeds to enjoy all of the other festivities as well.

For more information about this exciting community project, visit LeedsTrailsandTours.com.

1950s Cast

Mattie Sharp, Proprietor of Sharp Furniture……………………………………Andi Argo

Mike Sharp, Proprietor of Sharp Furniture………………………………………Josh Argo

Gabriel Asman, Proprietor of Asman’s Department Store…………………Eric Asman

Bill Dorrough, Mayor of Leeds 1948-1962……………………………………….Brian Attaway

Gilda Campbell, Dance Instructor……………………………………………………Kristy Biddle

Dr. John Campbell, Chiropractor………………………………………………………John Berry Biddle

Jane Hooton, Math Teacher Leeds High School………………………………Debbie Childers

Danly H “Fessor” Jones, History Teacher Leeds High School………….Tim Childers

Wilma Moore, Proprietor of Weston Moore Grocery Store……………..Donna Coates

Mary Etta Marbury, Mother of Carl Marbury………………………………….Whitney Hall Evans

Winnie Carlisle, Leeds Public Librarian…………………………………………Nelda Faulkner

Sam Gagliano, Sr., Band Director Leeds High School……………..…….Sam Gagliano, Jr.

Ralph Powers, Proprietor of Powers Cafe……………………………………….Travis Gann

Bernice Goodson, Director of Music Leeds Presbyterian Church..…Anna Goodson

Ruby Skinner, Owner & Cook at The Green Spot Cafe…………….……Bobbie Hogland

James F “Coon” Byers, Manager Leeds Hardware……………………….Rex Hogland

Bill Harrington, Owner of Bill’s Barber Shop …………………………..….Jared Hudson

Billie Musgrove, Wife of Euel Musgrove………………………………………Hannah Hudson

John “Bull” Pledger, Chief of Police……………………………………………..Paul Irwin

Jesse Ryan, Counselor Leeds High School…………………………………..Margaret Little

Nelda Mize, Employee at Miller Drug Company……………………………Paisley Mabery

Vivian “Bell” Lawrence, Nurse at Davis Clinic………………………………Aubrey Mabery

Dr. James Edmund Davis, Owner of Davis Clinic……………………………Dr Matt Mabery

Doris Marie Holley, Secretary Citizens Bank………………………………….Mary Virgina Mabery

Annie May Skinner, Daughter of Ruby Skinner…………………………….Tallulah McDonald

Gertrude Forehand Hathcox, Owner of Gertrude’s Beauty Shop……Shelly McDonald

WR McKinnon, Vocational Coordinator at Leeds High School………..Kyle McKinnon

Elvis’ Fan Club President……………………………………………………………..Jocelyn Meyer

Bill Lewis, Coca Cola Territory Manager         ………………………………Eddie Moore

Euel Musgrove, Newcomer to Leeds 1957.……………………………….…Jared Musgrove

Ruby Whitmire, Secretary Leeds High School..……………………………..Susan Musgrove Nelms

Nora Becker, Owner of Becker’s Beauty Shop……………………………….Michelle Owen

Joseph Wyeth “Skip” Griffin, Leeds Insurance Agency……………….….Randy Ray

Jo Anne Powers, Daughter of Ralph & Marie Powers…………………….Kathryn Rice

Minnie Harding, Long-time Resident of Leeds……..……………………….Dell Harding Smith

Mary Bess Spruiell, Wife of Lynn Blake Spruiell…………………………..Mary Bess Spruiell

Lynn Blake Spruiell, Owner & Pharmacist, Miller Drug Co…………....Matt Spruiell

Carl Marbury, 1957 Graduate Alabama A & M………………………………Bryson Thomas

Elvis Presley, Visitor in Leeds 1956………………………………………………Jeff Thomas

Mary Lou Goodson, Wife of Ed Goodson……………………Julie Watters